What is Allergic Contact Dermatitis?

Allergic contact dermatitis is one of two forms of contact dermatitis, in which skin contact with a particular substance triggers an allergic skin reaction. The other form is irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), which is more common than ACD and has slightly differing clinical features. ACD presents with symptoms similar to those of eczema with skin typically becoming very dry, scaly and itchy.

Causes of allergic contact dermatitis

The allergic reactions seen with ACD are triggered by protein molecules (allergens) present in a particular substance. Immune cells within the skin mount an immune attack that leads to symptoms of allergy. Some of the materials that commonly trigger the allergic reaction include nickel, cobalt, cosmetics, perfumes, hair dyes, medicine preservatives and latex in rubber.

In the case of ICD, substances physically break the skin and expose cutaneous skin cells to the allergen. Examples of irritants include detergents, cosmetics, soaps, perfumes, solvents, oils, chemicals, dust and plants.

Further Reading

Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well.

Other Useful Links

News-Medical.Net provides this medical information service in accordance
with these terms and conditions.
Please note that medical information found
on this website is designed to support, not to replace the relationship
between patient and physician/doctor and the medical advice they may provide.

By continuing to browse or by clicking "Accept All Cookies," you agree to the storing of first and third-party cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Find out more.